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Tuesday, 7 August 2012

7th August 2012 Matthew 14:22-end

Jesus Walks on the Water
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”. “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”. And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”. When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Today's reading is definitely a tale of two halves; of doubt and faith. Peter could walk on water whilst his faith was strong, but then he doubted and he sank. Jesus saved him despite his doubts; a lesson for us all.

Then later people came with their sick, they came knowing and trusting that Jesus could heal them. And Jesus healed them because they came; another lesson.

We may doubt
We may worry
We may lose faith
But Jesus will help us if we come to him